School parking lots and driveways are essential parts of campus infrastructure. They ensure safe access for students, staff, and parents while contributing to the overall appearance of your school. But with limited budgets, administrators must find smart ways to maintain pavement without overspending.
Fortunately, strategic and proactive maintenance can extend the life of your pavement, delay major repairs, and save money over time.
Why Pavement Maintenance Matters
- Safety: Cracks and potholes create hazards for pedestrians and vehicles, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.
- Accessibility: Smooth pavement supports ADA compliance, ensuring access for everyone.
- Long-Term Value: Small issues grow quickly if ignored. Addressing them early avoids costly repairs.
- Campus Image: Well-kept parking areas reflect positively on your school.
- Drainage: Damaged pavement can disrupt drainage, leading to pooling, deterioration, and even flooding.
Smart, Budget-Friendly Strategies
- Routine Inspections: Regularly inspect for early signs of damage like cracks or standing water. Early repairs are cheaper and more effective.
- Preventative Maintenance:
- Crack Sealing: Prevents water intrusion and stops small cracks from growing.
- Sealcoating: Protects against sun, weather, and chemicals. Typically done every 3–5 years.
- Fast Pothole Repair: Use cold patch for temporary fixes and hot mix for long-term results. Prompt action keeps costs down.
- Targeted Repairs: Don’t repave the entire lot if only small areas are failing. Techniques like patching, partial-depth reclamation, or overlays can restore problem spots at a fraction of the cost.
- Ensure Proper Drainage: Keep storm drains clear and ensure water flows away from pavement and buildings to avoid damage.
- Maintain Striping: Fresh line striping improves safety, traffic flow, and ADA compliance—all at a relatively low cost.
Partner with Underwood & Rosenblum
At Underwood & Rosenblum, we specialize in helping California schools manage their pavement assets wisely. Our civil engineers assess current conditions, design effective drainage, and create affordable, tailored repair and maintenance plans.
With our help, your school can stretch its budget, improve safety, and maintain a welcoming campus environment.
Ready to evaluate your school’s pavement? Contact Underwood & Rosenblum today at 408-453-1222.
